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For 50 years, Zeiter Eye Medical Group has been visionary in the area of opthamology.

Known more for LASIK – or Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis – the eye center recently added LenSx Femtosecond Lasers, which, according to Dr. John H. Zeiter, uses an advanced, precision-based technology for unmatched accuracy in cataract surgery.

“We’re one of two (eye centers) in Northern California to have LenSx,” he said.

This type of refractive laser-assisted technology is an option over LASIK for people age 55 or older. “The (wearing down of) cataracts are part of the natural aging process,” said Zeiter, who has been with the practice founded by his father, Henry Zeiter, since 1992.

The older Zeiter was one of the pioneers in the development and use of the intraocular lens used in cataract surgery. He recently retired to dedicate his time to writing coupled with his cultural pursuits and charitable endeavors.

John Zeiter, meanwhile, published over 20 articles in medical journals and books on cataract surgery and glaucoma over the years.

Joseph Zeiter, his cousin, has been in the forefront on LASIK – often used to correct myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness) and astigmatism – since the mid 1990s. The Food and Drug Administration approved LASIK in 1998, with Zeiter practicing the surgical corrective procedure in Canada as early as 1993.

LASIK is an alternative to eyeglasses and contact lenses.

A laser is used to reshape the cornea to help improve visual acuity. However, this procedure can’t help those with moderate to high myopia or thin corneas.

“LASIK was popular about 12 years ago,” John Zeiter said.

During that time, the economy was still going strong. “We saw a decrease in volume in the last 10 years,” he added.

“LASIK is a cash-pain procedure,” he said of the out-of-pocket cost. “It’s still a viable option for young people who no longer want to wear glasses.”

Recently, Zeiter has seen a comeback in LASIK surgery just as the technology for the procedure has greatly improved.

The application of medical laser to refractive surgery goes back to 1980. That’s when Rangaswamy Srinivasan at the IBM research lab discovered ultraviolet excimer laser could etch living tissue.

Advancements in technology, specifically, computers, have made it possible for ophthalmologist such as Joe Zeiter to make a precise incision when performing LASIK surgery.

At the Zeiter Eye Medical Group – locations include Manteca, Stockton, Modesto, Lodi, Tracy, Sonora – a surgeon is involved from the pre-procedure consultation, through the actual surgery and post-procedure care.

Along with Joe and John Zeiter, the family practice includes John Canzano, Richard Wong, Kimberly Cockerham, and Harold Hand.

Another Zeiter recently joined the group – Joseph Zeiter Jr., Joe’s son.

The Manteca office is located at 1630 W. Yosemite Ave., # 3. For more information, call 209-239-3880 or log on to www.zeitereye.com.